Ginepro

The juniper berries (Juniperus communis) are maturing now, so I went for a hike in the hills behind the house to collect some for Grappa al Ginepro.

Grizzo di Montereale Valcellina, home to one of the best pizzas in Friuli Venezia Gulia


Mt. Fara. A nice hike to the summit. The back side is a gradual slope with forested trails and no scree approaches. It has a great updraft on the face for parasailing, although most people launch off mountains with road access.

Juniper is a conifer, and the "berries" are actually a tiny little cone with overlooking scales. It's used a lot in herb teas and to flavor game. There are over 50 different species of Juniper, and a few are even poisonous. Like most herbs used in liquors it is a calmative and helps indigestion. It has no other real medical value.

The plant grows either as a shrub or a tree.